Is this a good deal?

[voce]

@Paloking Hey, I was browsing on Etsy, and Sapphire Pal (an Australian business) had lots of red spinel for under $1000 USD, most of them under $500 USD. I think they would be a great source for your stones.

(I'd still recommend spinels over garnets, as the facet abrasion with garnet makes spinel a better long-term and daily-wear gemstone. I hope your marriage lasts a lifetime!)

Direct links:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/398092483/natural-red-spinel-oval-cut-6mm-loose?ref=shop_home_active_22
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4873
https://www.etsy.com/listing/541129...el-oval-cut-145-carat?ref=shop_home_active_55
https://www.etsy.com/listing/468764087/natural-red-spinel-round-cut-130-carat?ref=related-2
https://www.etsy.com/listing/468765859/natural-red-spinel-roundish-oval-cut?ref=related-1

First, second, and fifth ilnks are more red and/or darker red, but the clarity looks good on all and cut+price are decent.

 

[qubitasaurus]

What about this one

https://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=10961

It is not a pear but it is untreated, and looks quite nice. Price is probably unbeatable too.

 

[MissyBeaucoup]

Sapphire Pal has so many pretty stones. I’ve been hoping somebody would comment on their experience doing business with them. It looks like they might have an actual store in Australia.

 

[Hivona]

@Paloking I know you have a lot of options now and I am not sure if this gem is still available but I stumbled across it and thought I'd post it anyway!

http://customgemstones.com/SAPPHIRE/ru1798.html

 

[Paloking]

Hey all, sorry i've gone missing for a few days. I'm going to be speaking to Doug tomorrow, and will check out all your recommendations soon. Really appreciate all of this

 

[peacechick]

Found a pear ruby from this Etsy cutter, slightly above budget but nice color:
https://etsy.me/2N9Aqp5

 

[Paloking]

P.S. I am just throwing this out there as general marriage advice. Maybe you can guess by my hands I've been married awhile (happily so). You can find beautiful things in every price range. We've always lived rather humbly and within our means, and I am so grateful for that. The peace of mind is priceless. Paloking deserves a lot of credit for finding out what his bride would enjoy and finding it in a price range that suits them both. I love that!! This is one of the great things about Pricescope. I have learned so much here and y'all helped me bunches!!!

I hope you get "bit by the bug," @Paloking We have a lot of fun here!

I completely agree, i appreciate the advice! Thank you haha i think the bugs too infectious to avoid, can't stop thinking of ideas and excuses to buy more...

So we really loved one of Doug's roughs (a Rhodolite Garnet) and it was a perfect size too for a brilliant pear cut at about 14mm long x 11mm wide. We've place an order for it to be cut, so hopefully in a few weeks from now i'll upload an update.

I would also like to vouch for Doug, he seems very passionate about what he does and was genuinely enjoying taking us through what he has and getting us what we wanted. I really appreciate having been recommended his services Thanks everyone!

 

[passions4purples]

So we really loved one of Doug's roughs (a Rhodolite Garnet) and it was a perfect size too for a brilliant pear cut at about 14mm long x 11mm wide. We've place an order for it to be cut, so hopefully in a few weeks from now i'll upload an update.

I would also like to vouch for Doug, he seems very passionate about what he does and was genuinely enjoying taking us through what he has and getting us what we wanted. I really appreciate having been recommended his services Thanks everyone!

Congratulations OP! I'm 100% sure you're in good hands with Doug and I think your FW will really appreciate all the research and care you put into getting her the right stone. Her ring is going to be a beauty!

Any thoughts on how to set it?

 

[Anne111]

Sapphire Pal has so many pretty stones. I’ve been hoping somebody would comment on their experience doing business with them. It looks like they might have an actual store in Australia.

I'm a bit confused about the bright lightning set they have, some light colored gems are hardly visible. And many times I can't find indication of treatment or not.

 

[MissyBeaucoup]

I'm a bit confused about the bright lightning set they have, some light colored gems are hardly visible. And many times I can't find indication of treatment or not.

Thank you, @Anne111!

 

[peacechick]

I completely agree, i appreciate the advice! Thank you haha i think the bugs too infectious to avoid, can't stop thinking of ideas and excuses to buy more...

So we really loved one of Doug's roughs (a Rhodolite Garnet) and it was a perfect size too for a brilliant pear cut at about 14mm long x 11mm wide. We've place an order for it to be cut, so hopefully in a few weeks from now i'll upload an update.

I would also like to vouch for Doug, he seems very passionate about what he does and was genuinely enjoying taking us through what he has and getting us what we wanted. I really appreciate having been recommended his services Thanks everyone!

Sounds like a wowzer! 14 x 11 is very sizeable, Is your fiancée comfortable with the large size? But since you both were there, I’m sure you’re on the same page. It’s such a special experience to have your stone cut from a rough, something you wouldn’t get with a diamond!

 

[GliderPoss]

Can’t wait to see the finished result!

 

[GliderPoss]

Hey @Paloking I see Doug has just cut a stunning garnet pear - is it yours? Come back & show us....